The bustling city of Nairobi found itself under a heavy security lockdown on Thursday as police intensified efforts to quell anticipated ‘Nane Nane’ demonstrations. The protests, which have been a focal point of tension in recent days, prompted authorities to close off all major routes leading into the Central Business District (CBD) in a bid to prevent unrest.
Security Measures and Road Closures
From early morning, law enforcement agencies set up numerous roadblocks across the city’s key arteries, effectively shutting down access to the CBD. The heightened security was evident on major roads such as Mombasa Road, Thika Road, and Jogoo Road, where heavily armed police officers patrolled and monitored the situation closely.
On Mombasa Road, a significant roadblock was placed at the GM roundabout, a critical junction for traffic entering the city center. Similar measures were observed at the Bunyala Roundabout, where motorists found themselves unable to proceed further into the CBD. These roadblocks were part of a broader strategy to contain the movement of protesters, many of whom had planned to converge in the heart of the city.
Jogoo Road, another vital link to the city center, saw increased police presence with officers setting up a roadblock on Manyanja Road. This particular measure aimed to prevent youths from leaving the densely populated Kayole Estate, a known hotspot for protest activity. The heavy police presence extended to Juja Road, which connects to Thika Road, where matatus (public service vehicles) were barred from accessing the city center for most of the day.
Inside the CBD, the atmosphere was equally tense. Police officers were seen clearing the area, leading to a mass exodus of businesses closing down and public transport vehicles leaving the city center. The usually vibrant streets of Nairobi’s CBD were eerily quiet as the day progressed, with many residents choosing to stay indoors.
Protests and Police Response
Despite the stringent security measures, the protests persisted throughout the day. Demonstrators, angered by various political and socio-economic grievances, took to the streets, leading to several clashes with the police. The situation remained volatile as law enforcement officers resorted to using teargas to disperse the crowds, resulting in several arrests.
Citizen Digital obtained images and footage showing protesters attempting to navigate the roadblocks and reach the CBD. However, the overwhelming police presence made it challenging for large groups to gather in significant numbers. The tension was palpable, with the sound of sirens and the occasional pop of teargas canisters punctuating the day.
Official Warnings and Public Safety
In anticipation of the protests, Acting Police Chief Gilbert Masengeli had issued a stern warning on Wednesday, cautioning the public against participating in the demonstrations. He emphasized that “criminals” intended to infiltrate the protests, potentially escalating the violence and posing a threat to public safety. Masengeli advised citizens to avoid protected zones such as the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and President William Ruto’s official residence, both of which were under tight security.
The police chief’s warning also urged Nairobi residents to exercise caution in crowded areas, as the risk of violence loomed large. His message resonated with many city dwellers, who opted to avoid the city center altogether, leaving the normally bustling CBD deserted.
Conclusion
As the day drew to a close, the ‘Nane Nane’ demonstrations served as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions in the country. The heavy-handed response from the police, coupled with the extensive road closures, underscored the government’s determination to maintain order. However, the protests also highlighted the deep-seated frustrations among a significant portion of the population, frustrations that are unlikely to dissipate without meaningful dialogue and resolution.
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